Wireless keeps disconnecting when security enabled?

Question

I have a Dell Dimension 8300 that has been beefed up to 768 MB RAM running on Win XP SP2 and I'm using a D-link Airplus g dwl-g510 PCI card and a Dynex Wireless G Router. I hooked everything up, got it all configured and it works GREAT! Never a dropped signal or any disconnects. I enjoy the Netflix "Watch Now" feature through this connection and the movies never stopped. I \had NO problems what-so-ever, until I decided to secure my network.

NOW... I take my old PC and connect it directly to the wireless router, so I can configure it for security. I set up both my router AND my PC/card for:
Network Authentication: WPA/PSK
Data Encryption: AES
Then input my OWN "Network Key" which is a alpha/numeric/special char combo, so is pretty secure.

AGAIN.... everything works fine, I log onto the system and it's running great.... for a few minutes, then I lose the signal and have to click on the icon in my task tray and RECONNECT.

At first I thought I might be an issue with cable/internet signal strength, since there's only ONE cable input into the apartment and I've had to split it several times before it reached my back bedroom. So, I moved my cable modem and wireless router to the main cable input into the apartment, but it's not doing any better.

A REAL PAIN IN THE RUMPUS! Would a firmware update on either wireless component help? I see other wireless networks within range of me, which means they must be in my apartment complex, but I think they maybe using a lesser security setting, since theirs are not identified as WAP, like mine is in the display.

Any thoughts? Suggestions? Help? Greatly appreciated...

JP

Answer 1

Follow patrick's suggestions, also check for upgrades to the drivers on your wireless adapter.



Just for giggles, check for nearby rf interference. Cordeless phones or nursery monitors. I had one situation where the cable modem was emitting RF interference. By separating the router and modem by 3 feet, the probelm went away!!!

Answer 2

a couple of things may be happening, first lower the encryption to WEP,

see if this stops the dropped connections(your wireless card may not support certain WPA) if this still does not work you may have a bad router, update the firmware, and if it still will not work replace the router, I have set up over 2500 wireless networks(I did it for a living) and have found D-Link to be some of the worst built on the market right next to netgear. (out of 10 that I would set up 2 would not crash, and need replaced) I would also suggest unless you live in a mansion stay away from N, it is pricey and you only get the full capabilities if all devices are N, router, wireless cards. It will not make your Internet faster(and you will feel ripped off when you consider the price)



Good luck I hope this helped(or confused)

Answer 3

In your router you can change the channel from like 6 for example to 11 or any other. What can happen is if everyone around you operates off of the same channel it can cause your router to loose connection. By changing the channel that should help. I had a similar problem I asked my college instructor and that the explanation he gave me.